Proportionality of distributed illumination with adaptive multivector delivery system

ABSTRACT

An ultraviolet emitting device comprising a plurality of light sources; and a plurality of arms on which the plurality of light sources are mounted, wherein: each arm is expandable between a first position and a second position, each arm is fully collapsed in the first position and fully expanded in the second position, and when each arm is transitioning between the first position and the second position, a length of the arm maintains a fixed proportionality with respect to a spacing of the plurality of light sources on the arm.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a U.S. Continuation Patent Application of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/US2020/063669, filed Dec. 7, 2020,which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/944,686, filed on Dec. 6, 2019, each of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present application generally relates to medical systems, devicesand methods, and more particularly relates to the sanitization,disinfection, and sterilization of medical systems, medical devices, andareas or spaces of medical facilities and other areas where the controland prevention of disease or infection is desired. Sanitization mayformally describe the use of agents that reduce microbial contaminantsto safe levels. Disinfection may refer to a process that eliminates manyor all pathogenic microorganisms, on inanimate objects. Sterilizationmay formally define a validated process used to render a product free ofall forms of viable microorganisms. A surface is defined as sterile ifit is free from all living microorganisms, but the verification ofsterility is subject to limitations of test sensitivity andpracticality.

Microbial contamination is a global concern within many industries,especially in the healthcare industry. The financial cost can amount tobillions of dollars in expenses per year, and, more importantly, thecontaminant pathogens plague private and public (e.g. healthcare)settings and surroundings. These contaminated surroundings can lead toinfections and may ultimately cause deaths. Furthermore, manycommunicable diseases are transmitted through contact with contaminatedareas and surfaces. The types and seriousness of communicable diseasestransmitted in this manner are varied. For example, viral, fungal, andbacterial diseases alike can be communicated by physical contact withsurfaces upon which the infectious agents may reside or settle. Further,there is an increasing awareness and concern worldwide of thepossibility of widespread outbreaks, or even pandemics, of communicabledisease; these concerns stem in part from possible spontaneous mutationsof influenza and other viruses, and emergence of new diseases as well asthe increasing resistance of bacterial strains to conventional and evento newly developed and powerful antibiotics.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, some implementations provide a ultraviolet emittingdevice comprising: a plurality of light sources; and a plurality of armson which the plurality of light sources are mounted, wherein: each armis expandable between a first position and a second position, each armis fully collapsed in the first position and fully expanded in thesecond position, and when each arm is transitioning between the firstposition and the second position, a length of the arm maintains a fixedproportionality with respect to a spacing of the plurality of lightsources on the arm.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Theplurality of arms may be capable of expanding and contractingindependently of one another. The plurality of arms may be capable ofrotating around a fixed axis independently of one another. The pluralityof arms may each have a rotational range of up to 360 degrees. Theplurality of arms may be connected to a center column.

The plurality of light sources may be split between two or more sets ofhorizontal scissors arms of each arm, wherein the two or more sets ofhorizontal scissors arms are of identical size and shape. The two ormore sets of horizontal scissors arms may be configured to move inunison when each arm is expanding from the first position to the secondposition. The two or more sets of horizontal scissor arms of each armmay be connected at a matching set of intersections such that the fixedproportionality with respect to the spacing of the plurality of lightsources are maintained when the arm is transitioning between the firstposition and the second position. The matching set of intersections mayinclude bushings that facilitate each arm in transitioning between thefirst position and the second position.

The ultraviolet emitting device may further include: one or more motionsensors configured to detect a motion within a target volume in whichthe ultraviolet emitting device is located such that the ultravioletemitting device can be deactivated from emitting ultraviolet light. Themotion sensors may provide full coverage of the target volume in whichthe ultraviolet emitting device is located, and wherein a first subsetof motion sensors are configured to face outward from a center columnand a second subset of motion sensors are oriented face downwards from aupper portion of the center column.

The ultraviolet emitting device may further include: a wirelesscommunication module configured to receive wireless instructions for oneor more operations of the ultraviolet emitting device; a controllercoupled to the wireless communication module and configured to processinstructions to control the one or more operations of the device; and auser panel configured to include an option for remote operation of theultraviolet emitting device.

The ultraviolet emitting device may further include: a camera configuredto monitor a surrounding of the ultraviolet emitting device such that aremote viewing of the surrounding of the ultraviolet emitting device isaccessible from outside a target volume in which the ultravioletemitting device is located.

In another aspect, some implementations provide a system that includes:a structure configurable to irradiate a target volume, wherein thestructure includes: a movable base including a holding bracket having aslot; a plurality of arms connected to an anchor surface, each armconfigurable between a first position and a second position, wherein thearm is fully collapsed in the first position and fully expanded in thesecond position; a support connected to at least one arm of theplurality of arms, the support including an inner shaft capable ofradially fitting into the slot of the holding bracket; and a collarconnected to the support and axially adjustable within the slot of theholding bracket, wherein the holding bracket configured to restrict aradial movement of the collar to within the slot of the holding bracket;and a plurality of light sources connected to the plurality of arms andcapable of emitting ultraviolet light to irradiate the target volumewhen the arms of the structure are positioned in-between the firstposition and the second position.

In yet another aspect, some implementations provide a system thatincludes: a structure positionable within a target volume, the structureincluding: a base; and a plurality of arms connected to the base, eacharm configurable between a first position and a second position, whereinthe arm is fully collapsed in the first position and fully expanded inthe second position; a plurality of light sources connected to theplurality of arms and capable of emitting ultraviolet light to irradiatethe target volume when the arms of the structure are positioned betweenthe first position and the second position; and a motion sensorconnected to a top portion of the structure.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

The motion sensor may be mounted upside down capable of providing asensing range of up to 360 degrees. The system may further include aplurality of supports extending from the top portion of the structureand configured to hold the motion sensor when the arms of the structureare transitioning between the first position and the second position.

In still another aspect, some implementations provide a method thatincludes: unlocking a plurality of expandable arms on which a pluralityof light sources are mounted; expanding the plurality of expandable armsfrom a first position towards a second position, wherein each expandablearm is fully collapsed in the first position and fully expanded in thesecond position collapsed position; and activating the plurality oflight sources to emit ultraviolet light to irradiate a target volume.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

Expanding the plurality of expandable arms may include: rotating atleast one of the plurality of expandable arms with respect to anattachment point at a center column where the plurality of expandablearms are connected to the center column. The method may further include:when expanding the plurality of expandable arms, maintaining anidentical angle between two or more sets of horizontal scissors arms ofeach expandable arm such that the light sources on each expandable armare identically spaced. Expanding the plurality of expandable arms mayinclude: moving two or more sets of horizontal scissors arms of eachexpandable arm in unison. The method may further include: contractingthe plurality of expandable arms towards the first position in whicheach expandable arm is fully collapsed. Contracting the plurality ofexpandable arms may further comprise: moving two or more sets ofhorizontal scissors arms of each expandable arm in unison. A spacingbetween the light sources on each expandable arm may be proportional toa length of each expanded arms when the plurality of expandable arms aretransitioning between the first position and the second position.

Implementations according to the present disclosure may be realized incomputer implemented methods, hardware computing systems, and tangiblecomputer readable media. For example, a system of one or more computerscan be configured to perform particular actions by virtue of havingsoftware, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on thesystem that in operation causes or cause the system to perform theactions. One or more computer programs can be configured to performparticular actions by virtue of including instructions that, whenexecuted by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to performthe actions.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter of thisspecification are set forth in the description, the claims, and theaccompanying drawings. Other features, aspects, and advantages of thesubject matter will become apparent from the description, the claims,and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various configurations discussed in thepresent document.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of two parallel horizontal scissormechanisms which expand and contract simultaneously, in accordance withone example of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A to 2B show lines of linearity as applied to the distancesbetween the lamps when the arms of a configuration are expanded inaccordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a plot of linearity of a reference frame with axes inrelation to the center of the ultraviolet emitting device, in accordancewith one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A shows a configuration of a motion sensor mounted to face downfrom a center of a system, in accordance with one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4B shows a top view of a room with five motion sensors installed,including one referenced in FIG. 4A at the center of the room, inaccordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C shows a top view of an irregularly-shaped room with five motionsensors installed, in accordance with one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4D shows a perspective view of a system that includes a motionsensor, in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4E shows another perspective view of a portion of a system thatincludes a 360 degree motion sensor, in accordance with one example ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5A shows a flow chart of a remote operation sequence for operatinga system, in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates a diagram of operations to drive a system from aremote source to allow for remote operation and monitoring, inaccordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C illustrates a sequence of text message codes to remotely operateand monitor a system, in accordance with one example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a set of expandable arms eachincluding a horizontal scissors arms, in accordance with one example ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B provide a top view illustrating a system capable oftransitioning between a fully collapsed position and a fully expandedposition, in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer systemused to provide computational functionalities associated with describedalgorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures,according to an implementation of the present disclosure

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Facilities of dynamic environments are witnessing an increasing demandfor devices and systems that can adapt to a variety of situations forsterilization or disinfection of both equipment and physical rooms orspaces. For rooms with varying shapes and sizes, variability becomesabundant with respect to volume of space, equipment, and surfaces. Suchvariabilities call for reliable automated systems that can accommodatethe differences and provide a solution with repeatable, predictable, andadaptable performance.

Some disinfection technologies that utilize ultraviolet technologies orarea ultraviolet disinfection units may not expand and adapt to varioustypes, sizes and shapes of rooms in healthcare or other environments.For example, these technologies may not eliminate shadowing effectsunless the same unit is used in multiple locations with multipleexposure cycles. Such a process would defeat the purpose of expedientdisinfection and would end up depending on user positioning andtherefore would not be an automated process. As such, there is a needfor an adaptable system capable of providing rapid disinfection that isfree from the effects of shadowing.

Some area ultraviolet disinfection units can use a “one size fits all”approach in which only the position or number of units are adaptive. Thelimited adaptability fails to adaptively scale to meet the demand for anadequate coverage for rooms with a variety of sizes or shapes.

Healthcare facilities often struggle to control and eliminate bacteria,spores, viruses, fungi, and other harmful organisms from spaces andsurfaces. Notably, many disinfection technologies that utilizeultraviolet technologies or area ultraviolet disinfection units may notachieve the performance levels, for example, with respect to propercoverage and exposure to all surfaces that may be necessary to eradicatesurface-borne pathogens in such medical facilities. Additionally, therepeatability of the solution becomes desirable because such a solutioncan adapt to and disinfect a variety of situations, spaces, anddimensions.

Implementations of the present disclosure can leverage a proportionalityof ultraviolet (UV) light sources (e.g., lamps) within a robust systemto achieve adaptability, repeatability, and uniformity. Someimplementations may pair an engineered system for uniform lightdistribution with precise placement of lamps. The implementations mayincorporate a system for use by an average staff member for dailyoperations. The system can be sturdy and can house UV light sources in asecure fashion, while illuminating the space to be treated. In theseimplementations, the strength of the proportional distances can beenforced with two or more sets of horizontal scissor arms for eachexpandable arm. The number of UV light sources, the lengths of thescissor mechanisms and distances can be set in accordance with desiredspacing of UV light sources, often mounted on each expandable arm.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram 100 that includes two parallel horizontalscissors arms, namely scissors arm 101 and scissors arm 102. Each arm isexpandable. For example, both scissors arm 101 and scissors arm 102 canexpand and contract simultaneously along the direction of 103. Scissorsarm 101 includes four exemplary trapezoidal scissor mechanisms, namely101A, 101B, 101C, and 101D. Similarly, scissors arm 102 includes fourexemplary trapezoidal scissor mechanisms, namely 102A, 102B, 102C, and102D. Each trapezoidal scissor mechanism is constructed by two pairs ofparallel edges. The vertices of each trapezoidal scissor mechanism arecharacterized by angle a, and angle b, which are consistent throughoutthe trapezoidal scissor mechanisms. Notably, angles a and b will add upto 180 degrees regardless of level of expansion or contraction of eachtrapezoidal scissor mechanism. In other words, despite an infinitenumber of linkages for these trapezoidal scissor mechanisms, angles aand b are consistent through these trapezoidal scissor mechanisms. Thesum of the angles, a+b, is maintained at 180 degrees. There could beadditional trapezoidal scissor mechanisms linked to one another, inmultiple layers on top of one another. In this diagram, UV light sourcescan be mounted on the vertices of each trapezoidal scissor mechanism.For example, UV light sources can be mounted on the verticescharacterized by angle b.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate applying equations in the format of y=mx+nthe spacing between the UV light sources when each expandable arm isbeing expanded or contracted. Specifically, FIG. 2A shows an examplegraph 200 that includes a plot of the distance from the center of an UVtreatment system to the first scissors axle (vertical axis) as afunction of the length of the expandable arm (horizontal axis). Graph200 also includes a plot of the spacing between UV light sources(vertical axis) as a function of the length of the expandable arm(horizontal axis). In each case, the linear equation describing thelinear relationship is demonstrated. The linearity is regardless of thelevel of expansion or contraction of each expandable arm. For context,the lower limit of expansion for each arm is the collapsed condition inwhich the expandable arm is fully compressed. This lower limit isrepresented by the markers indicating the minimum dimensions. The upperlimit of expansion for each arm is the fully extended condition in whichthe expandable arm is fully unfolded and stretched. This upper limit isrepresented by markers indicating the maximum dimensions, which canreach a different sized distance between the axes.

FIG. 2B shows a diagram 210 illustrating the orthogonal x or z axis, thedistance from the center of the system to the first scissors axle, aswell as the spacing distance between UV light sources on each expandablearm. Here, diagram 210 shows a top down view of expandable arms 211,212, 213, and 214. Each of expandable arms 211, 212, 213, and 214includes four trapezoidal scissors mechanisms, as explained in moredetail in FIG. 1 . Here, expandable arms 211, 212, 213, and 214 areconnected at center 215. Here, L illustrates an example of a spacingdistance between UV light sources on expandable arm 212. The x axis ishorizontal in this example while the z axis is vertical in this example.In each case the linear equation describing the linear relationship isshown as an example in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 shows a graph 300 which illustrates linear proportionality inrelation to another example of the system for treating a target volume.This system likewise include expandable arms that can extend towards thecorners of rectangular rooms. Leveraging the same trapezoidal scissorsmechanism, the expandable arms can likewise expand or contract. Thespacing distance between the UV light sources along the expandable armlikewise have the fixed linear proportionality with respect to the totallength of each expandable arm as the arm is adjusted in distance. Here,the length of each expandable arm is presented on the hypotheticalhorizontal axis while the distance between UV light sources on thescissors arm is presented on the hypothetical vertical axis. In oneplot, the distance between center of the system and the first scissoraxle is presented on the hypothetical vertical axis.

FIG. 4A shows a diagram illustrating a mount 401 and a motion sensor 402placed on mount 401 to face downward. As illustrated, motion sensor 402looks down and can provide a 360 degree coverage to monitor the targetvolume (for example, a room). Motion sensor 402 installed in this mannercan sense from all directions from the 360 degree coverage. Indeed, this360 degree configuration can adapt to a variety of shapes orconfigurations of the room being targeted for treatment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view 410 of a room being targeted fortreatment. In this view, motion sensor 411C referenced in FIG. 4A isplaced at the center of the room to provide 360 degree coverage.Additionally, four motion sensors, namely motion sensor 411A, motionsensor 411B, motion sensor 411C, and motion sensor 411D, are eachattached to an expandable arm connected to a center structure. Motionsensors 411A to 144D are configured to point at the walls of the room(or perimeters of the target volume) for complete coverage. The systemcould deploy additional motion sensors to ensure coverage in any type,shape, or sized room.

FIG. 4C illustrates another top view 420 over an irregularly-shaped roomwith a passageway, such as a doorway. In this view, motion sensor 421C,although located at the center of the room to provide 360 degreecoverage, may not be sufficient capture movement in this target volume.With motion sensors 421A, 421B, 421D, and especially 421E, completecoverage for the entire target volume, including the doorway area, maybe achieved to provide for monitoring of motion throughout.

FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view 430 of an exemplary system withall four expandable arms folded and locked into a base of the exemplarysystem. As illustrated, motion sensors 430A, 403B, 430D, and 430E arelocated at the top end of each expandable arm. Each of motions sensors430A, 403B, 430D, and 430E are pointed away from the center of theexemplary system. In other words, when the expandable arms are beingexpanded from the collapsed position, the motion sensor will remain atthe far end of each expandable arm. At this arrangement, motions sensors430A, 403B, 430D, and 430E can sense motion beyond the arms.Additionally, motion sensor 430C can be mounted at the top center of thesystem to face downward. This arrangement can create a 360 degree fieldof motion sensing. As describes in FIGS. 4B and 4C, this configurationcan allow for full room coverage regardless of room shape or size.

FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view 440 of the mounting block whichallows for the motion sensor 430C to be mounted upside down and providea 360-degree range of motion sensing. The mounting block can have a flatsection on the upper roof 441A with a cutout for the motion sensor dometo be mounted there. Some implementations can include additionalsupports holding motion sensor 430 above the top of the center unit inorder to reduce blocking of certain sections of sensing (or detecting).

FIG. 5A shows a flow chart 500 of a remote operation sequence foroperating the system remotely in accordance with one example of thepresent disclosure. An operator may set up a disinfection system such asa UV system for treating a target room or volume (501). For example, theoperator may power up the UV system and enable a wireless communicationmodule on the UV system. The operator may then enable remote control ofthe UV system (502). In one example, the UV system may have an on-deviceuser panel. The user panel can include a touch screen control to allowthe operator to enable the remote control. The UV system may then send amessage to a remote device indicating the remote operation of the UVsystem is now enabled (503). An example of a code can be “MX ENABLED.”In some cases, this transmission may take place in the form of a shortmessage service (SMS) and also provide messages containing media in theform of video or images. Additionally or alternatively, the transmissionmay be through a WiFi for other wireless network to an App on the remotedevice, for example, the operator's smartphone device. Once confirmed,the operator may exit the room in which the UV system is set up foroperation (504). This exit provides the operator the opportunity tocontrol the UV system from outside the room and without exposure to theUV.

The UV system may then wait for all interlocks to be cleared (505).Here, a number of safety locks may be placed on the mechanical portionsof the system to prevent accidental activation to expand the arms of thesystem. Examples of safety locks include but are not limited toemergency stop buttons, motion sensors, hinge sensors, scanners, orinfrared detection systems. Once the interlocks are cleared, the UVsystem may send a message to the remote device indicating the UV systemis now ready for remote operation (506). An example of a code can be“MX_RDY.” This indication can provide the operator with the assurancethat the system-level checks have been performed and the UV system isnow verified for operation.

In response, the operator may send a start command to the UV system(507). For example, the start code be set by “SMS_START=ON;SMS_START=OFF.” The UV system may then confirm receipt of the startcode. In one example, the receipt code may be communicated by““SMS_START=ON; SMS_START=OFF.” While this example is provided in theform of a SMS format, other formats and WiFi protocols can also be used.

The remote device can then start a countdown for a specified cycle timefor the system, for example, 90 second count down (509). Non-limitingexample include, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, 75seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, 160 seconds, 300 seconds, or 600seconds. The UV system may then operate to determine whether theoperation is successful (510). If the UV system has completed a cyclesuccessfully, the UV system may send a cycle complete message, forexample by the code “MX_CMPLT.” In case the UV system fails to completethe cycle successfully, the UV system may send an error message, forexample, by the code “MX ERR.”

FIG. 5B illustrates a diagram 520 of operations to drive a system 520Bfrom a remote source 520A to allow for remote operation and monitoring,in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. Here, system520B can be a UV system noted by “Model X” and the remote source 520Acan be a cellphone of the operator. Initially, the operator can press anenable cycle button on system 520B. This activation can trigger system520B to send a message to remote source 520A, as illustrated in row 521.Thereafter, system 520B may wait for interlock on the system to be readyand cleared. Once cleared, system 520B may transmit a message to remotesource 520A that the system is ready, as illustrated in row 522. Inresponse, remote source 520A may transmit a message to system 520B tostart cycle, as illustrated in row 523. When the system initiates thecycle, the system 520B may transmit a message to the remote source 520Athat the operation has started, as illustrated in row 524. The system520B may then wait for the end of the operation. Once the operation iscompleted, the system 520B may transmit a message to the remote source520A that the operation has been completed, as illustrated in row 525.Additionally, if the operation falls through, the system 520B maytransmit a message to the remote source 520A about the operation error.

FIG. 5C shows a screenshot 530 illustrating a sequence of text messagecodes to remotely operate and monitor a system 530B from a cell phone530A, in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. Here,the system 530B is initially enabled for remote operation (531). Thesystem 530B sends a message to cell phone 530A. Thereafter, the system530B waits for interlocks on the system to be ready and cleared (532).Once cleared, the system 530B transmits a message to cell phone 530Athat the system is ready.

Once received, cell phone 530A transmits a message to system 530B tostart an operation. In response, system 530B may acknowledge receipt andwill start an operation cycle (533). Once the cycle is successfullycompleted, the system 530B may send a message to cell phone 530A thatthe cycle is complete.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram 600 illustrating the horizontal scissormechanisms on each expandable arm of a system. As illustrated, thesystem includes four expandable arms, namely, 601A, 601B, 601D, and601E. Each expandable arm includes four horizontal scissor mechanismslinked in a chain. The system also includes a center column 601C thatincludes a vertical pole mounted on a movable base 601CE. The expandablearms are connected to the center column 601C. Expandable arms 601A,601B, 601D, and 601E respectively includes bases 601AE, 601BE, 601DE,and 601EE. UV light sources can be mounted on each expandable arm at,for example, columns 601AC, 601BC, 601DC, and 601EC. These horizontalscissors mechanisms can improve stability to the UV light sources. Thesehorizontal scissors mechanisms can also help define and createproportionality distances between each UV light source. Specifically, asthe scissors mechanisms are expanded from or contracted to the centercolumn 601C, the spacing between the UV light sources changes inproportionally to one another and provides even, repeatable, and uniformdistribution of irradiance throughout the space. In some cases, the UVlight sources can be vertically mounted on columns 601AC, 601BC, 601DC,and 601EC. Additionally or alternatively, the UV light sources can alsobe horizontally mounted on each expandable arm.

FIG. 7A shows a diagram 700 illustrating an exemplary systemtransforming from a first position 701 to a second position 710, whichis illustrated in FIG. 7B. In the first position 701, all fourexpandable arms, namely, 711A, 711B, 711C, and 711D are fully collapsedaround center column 711C. In the second position 710, all fourexpandable arms, namely, 711A, 711B, 711C, and 711D are fully unfoldedfrom center column 711C. Thus, the diagram 700 demonstrates that anexemplary device can be adaptively scaled to fit a room of various sizeand shape because the exemplary device can expand from the minimum size,for a small room, to the fully extended maximum size for a large room.

To create these horizontal scissor mechanisms, custom bushings can beused at each hinge point to create uniform motion between the linkages.The rotatable and expandable scissor arms can allow the exemplary deviceto be adaptively scaled to match the size and shape of any type of roomin healthcare facilities. The scaling of the exemplary device todifferent rooms can enforce an irradiance field with adequate levels ofrelatively homogenous irradiance to various areas of a room.

In order to transport the system, or expose small spaces or room with UVlight, the horizontal scissor arms need to be locked into place within acenter base. This can be achieved with a hidden locking mechanism withina vertical shaft with two outer sections. When the top section is pulledup along the vertical shaft, the corresponding bottom section can alsobe lifted up, allowing for only the vertical shaft to be exposed whichis small enough to clear the main case locking section. To lock the armsinto place, the shaft can be pushed into this section, and the outerpart can be lowered or can fall with gravity, allowing the arm to besecured.

As the device can be adaptive to many types of rooms, shapes and sizes,an adaptive mapping of motion sensors can be used. This can be achievedwith a 360 degree sensor at the center of an exemplary device andcorresponding sensors at the end of each adaptive arm. The 360 degreesensor can indicate if there is any motion within its view from a rangeof angles. The peripheral sensors can cover any additional alcoves,doorways, or other configurations of rooms that may not be visible tothe center sensor.

As the device will deploy and fill an entire volume of space, it willalso be useful to remote operation and monitoring. This chain of eventsbetween the remote device and the unit is illustrated in FIGS. 7A and7B.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system800 used to provide computational functionalities associated withdescribed algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, andprocedures, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.The illustrated computer 802 is intended to encompass any computingdevice such as a server, desktop computer, laptop/notebook computer,wireless data port, smart phone, personal data assistant (PDA), tabletcomputing device, one or more processors within these devices, anothercomputing device, or a combination of computing devices, includingphysical or virtual instances of the computing device, or a combinationof physical or virtual instances of the computing device. Additionally,the computer 802 can comprise a computer that includes an input device,such as a keypad, keyboard, touch screen, another input device, or acombination of input devices that can accept user information, and anoutput device that conveys information associated with the operation ofthe computer 802, including digital data, visual, audio, another type ofinformation, or a combination of types of information, on agraphical-type user interface (UI) (or GUI) or other UI.

The computer 802 can serve in a role in a computer system as a client,network component, a server, a database or another persistency, anotherrole, or a combination of roles for performing the subject matterdescribed in the present disclosure. The illustrated computer 802 iscommunicably coupled with a network 803. In some implementations, one ormore components of the computer 802 can be configured to operate withinan environment, including cloud-computing-based, local, global, anotherenvironment, or a combination of environments.

The computer 802 is an electronic computing device operable to receive,transmit, process, store, or manage data and information associated withthe described subject matter. According to some implementations, thecomputer 802 can also include or be communicably coupled with a server,including an application server, e-mail server, web server, cachingserver, streaming data server, another server, or a combination ofservers.

The computer 802 can receive requests over network 803 (for example,from a client software application executing on another computer 802)and respond to the received requests by processing the received requestsusing a software application or a combination of software applications.In addition, requests can also be sent to the computer 802 from internalusers, external or third-parties, or other entities, individuals,systems, or computers.

Each of the components of the computer 802 can communicate using asystem bus 803. In some implementations, any or all of the components ofthe computer 802, including hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software, can interface over the system bus 803 using anapplication programming interface (API) 812, a service layer 813, or acombination of the API 812 and service layer 813. The API 812 caninclude specifications for routines, data structures, and objectclasses. The API 812 can be either computer-language independent ordependent and refer to a complete interface, a single function, or evena set of APIs. The service layer 813 provides software services to thecomputer 802 or other components (whether illustrated or not) that arecommunicably coupled to the computer 802. The functionality of thecomputer 802 can be accessible for all service consumers using thisservice layer. Software services, such as those provided by the servicelayer 813, provide reusable, defined functionalities through a definedinterface. For example, the interface can be software written in JAVA,C++, another computing language, or a combination of computing languagesproviding data in extensible markup language (XML) format, anotherformat, or a combination of formats. While illustrated as an integratedcomponent of the computer 802, alternative implementations canillustrate the API 812 or the service layer 813 as stand-alonecomponents in relation to other components of the computer 802 or othercomponents (whether illustrated or not) that are communicably coupled tothe computer 802. Moreover, any or all parts of the API 812 or theservice layer 813 can be implemented as a child or a sub-module ofanother software module, enterprise application, or hardware modulewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The computer 802 includes an interface 804. Although illustrated as asingle interface 804 in FIG. 8 , two or more interfaces 804 can be usedaccording to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations ofthe computer 802. The interface 804 is used by the computer 802 forcommunicating with another computing system (whether illustrated or not)that is communicatively linked to the network 803 in a distributedenvironment. Generally, the interface 804 is operable to communicatewith the network 803 and comprises logic encoded in software, hardware,or a combination of software and hardware. More specifically, theinterface 804 can comprise software supporting one or more communicationprotocols associated with communications such that the network 803 orinterface's hardware is operable to communicate physical signals withinand outside of the illustrated computer 802.

The computer 802 includes a processor 805. Although illustrated as asingle processor 805 in FIG. 8 , two or more processors can be usedaccording to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations ofthe computer 802. Generally, the processor 805 executes instructions andmanipulates data to perform the operations of the computer 802 and anyalgorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures asdescribed in the present disclosure.

The computer 802 also includes a database 806 that can hold data for thecomputer 802, another component communicatively linked to the network803 (whether illustrated or not), or a combination of the computer 802and another component. For example, database 806 can be an in-memory,conventional, or another type of database storing data consistent withthe present disclosure. In some implementations, database 806 can be acombination of two or more different database types (for example, ahybrid in-memory and conventional database) according to particularneeds, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 802 andthe described functionality. Although illustrated as a single database806 in FIG. 8 , two or more databases of similar or differing types canbe used according to particular needs, desires, or particularimplementations of the computer 802 and the described functionality.While database 806 is illustrated as an integral component of thecomputer 802, in alternative implementations, database 806 can beexternal to the computer 802. As illustrated, the database 806 holds thepreviously described data 816 including, for example, multiple streamsof data from various sources, such as the motion sensors, the camera,and other monitoring devices on the UV light system as outlined in FIGS.4D and 6 .

The computer 802 also includes a memory 807 that can hold data for thecomputer 802, another component or components communicatively linked tothe network 803 (whether illustrated or not), or a combination of thecomputer 802 and another component. Memory 807 can store any dataconsistent with the present disclosure. In some implementations, memory807 can be a combination of two or more different types of memory (forexample, a combination of semiconductor and magnetic storage) accordingto particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of thecomputer 802 and the described functionality. Although illustrated as asingle memory 807 in FIG. 8 , two or more memories 807 or similar ordiffering types can be used according to particular needs, desires, orparticular implementations of the computer 802 and the describedfunctionality. While memory 807 is illustrated as an integral componentof the computer 802, in alternative implementations, memory 807 can beexternal to the computer 802.

The application 808 is an algorithmic software engine providingfunctionality according to particular needs, desires, or particularimplementations of the computer 802, particularly with respect tofunctionality described in the present disclosure. For example,application 808 can serve as one or more components, modules, orapplications. Further, although illustrated as a single application 808,the application 808 can be implemented as multiple applications 808 onthe computer 802. In addition, although illustrated as integral to thecomputer 802, in alternative implementations, the application 808 can beexternal to the computer 802.

The computer 802 can also include a power supply 814. The power supply814 can include a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery that can beconfigured to be either user- or non-user-replaceable. In someimplementations, the power supply 814 can include power-conversion ormanagement circuits (including recharging, standby, or another powermanagement functionality). In some implementations, the power-supply 814can include a power plug to allow the computer 802 to be plugged into awall socket or another power source to, for example, power the computer802 or recharge a rechargeable battery.

There can be any number of computers 802 associated with, or externalto, a computer system containing computer 802, each computer 802communicating over network 803. Further, the term “client,” “user,” orother appropriate terminology can be used interchangeably, asappropriate, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Moreover, the present disclosure contemplates that many users can useone computer 802, or that one user can use multiple computers 802.

Implementations of the subject matter and the functional operationsdescribed in this specification can be implemented in digital electroniccircuitry, in tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, incomputer hardware, including the structures disclosed in thisspecification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations ofone or more of them. Software implementations of the described subjectmatter can be implemented as one or more computer programs, that is, oneor more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible,non-transitory, computer-readable computer-storage medium for executionby, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.Alternatively, or additionally, the program instructions can be encodedin/on an artificially generated propagated signal, for example, amachine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that isgenerated to encode information for transmission to a receiver apparatusfor execution by a data processing apparatus. The computer-storagemedium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readablestorage substrate, a random or serial access memory device, or acombination of computer-storage mediums. Configuring one or morecomputers means that the one or more computers have installed hardware,firmware, or software (or combinations of hardware, firmware, andsoftware) so that when the software is executed by the one or morecomputers, particular computing operations are performed.

The term “real-time,” “real time,” “realtime,” “real (fast) time (RFT),”“near(ly) real-time (NRT),” “quasi real-time,” or similar terms (asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art), means that an actionand a response are temporally proximate such that an individualperceives the action and the response occurring substantiallysimultaneously. For example, the time difference for a response todisplay (or for an initiation of a display) of data following theindividual's action to access the data can be less than 1 millisecond(ms), less than 1 second (s), or less than 5 s. While the requested dataneed not be displayed (or initiated for display) instantaneously, it isdisplayed (or initiated for display) without any intentional delay,taking into account processing limitations of a described computingsystem and time required to, for example, gather, accurately measure,analyze, process, store, or transmit the data.

The terms “data processing apparatus,” “computer,” or “electroniccomputer device” (or equivalent as understood by one of ordinary skillin the art) refer to data processing hardware and encompass all kinds ofapparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by wayof example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processorsor computers. The apparatus can also be, or further include specialpurpose logic circuitry, for example, a central processing unit (CPU),an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or an ASIC(application-specific integrated circuit). In some implementations, thedata processing apparatus or special purpose logic circuitry (or acombination of the data processing apparatus or special purpose logiccircuitry) can be hardware- or software-based (or a combination of bothhardware- and software-based). The apparatus can optionally include codethat creates an execution environment for computer programs, forexample, code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, adatabase management system, an operating system, or a combination ofexecution environments. The present disclosure contemplates the use ofdata processing apparatuses with an operating system of some type, forexample LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, IOS, another operatingsystem, or a combination of operating systems.

A computer program, which can also be referred to or described as aprogram, software, a software application, a unit, a module, a softwaremodule, a script, code, or other component can be written in any form ofprogramming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, ordeclarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form,including, for example, as a stand-alone program, module, component, orsubroutine, for use in a computing environment. A computer program can,but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can bestored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, forexample, one or more scripts stored in a markup language document, in asingle file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiplecoordinated files, for example, files that store one or more modules,sub-programs, or portions of code. A computer program can be deployed tobe executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located atone site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by acommunication network.

While portions of the programs illustrated in the various figures can beillustrated as individual components, such as units or modules, thatimplement described features and functionality using various objects,methods, or other processes, the programs can instead include a numberof sub-units, sub-modules, third-party services, components, libraries,and other components, as appropriate. Conversely, the features andfunctionality of various components can be combined into singlecomponents, as appropriate. Thresholds used to make computationaldeterminations can be statically, dynamically, or both statically anddynamically determined.

Described methods, processes, or logic flows represent one or moreexamples of functionality consistent with the present disclosure and arenot intended to limit the disclosure to the described or illustratedimplementations, but to be accorded the widest scope consistent withdescribed principles and features. The described methods, processes, orlogic flows can be performed by one or more programmable computersexecuting one or more computer programs to perform functions byoperating on input data and generating output data. The methods,processes, or logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus canalso be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, for example, aCPU, an FPGA, or an ASIC.

Computers for the execution of a computer program can be based ongeneral or special purpose microprocessors, both, or another type ofCPU. Generally, a CPU will receive instructions and data from and writeto a memory. The essential elements of a computer are a CPU, forperforming or executing instructions, and one or more memory devices forstoring instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include,or be operatively coupled to, receive data from or transfer data to, orboth, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, for example,magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computerneed not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded inanother device, for example, a mobile telephone, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a portable memory storagedevice.

Non-transitory computer-readable media for storing computer programinstructions and data can include all forms of media and memory devices,magnetic devices, magneto optical disks, and optical memory device.Memory devices include semiconductor memory devices, for example, randomaccess memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), phase change memory (PRAM),static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM),erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices.Magnetic devices include, for example, tape, cartridges, cassettes,internal/removable disks. Optical memory devices include, for example,digital video disc (DVD), CD-ROM, DVD+/−R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, HD-DVD, andBLURAY, and other optical memory technologies. The memory can storevarious objects or data, including caches, classes, frameworks,applications, modules, backup data, jobs, web pages, web page templates,data structures, database tables, repositories storing dynamicinformation, or other appropriate information including any parameters,variables, algorithms, instructions, rules, constraints, or references.Additionally, the memory can include other appropriate data, such aslogs, policies, security or access data, or reporting files. Theprocessor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in,special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subjectmatter described in this specification can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, for example, a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD(liquid crystal display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), or plasma monitor,for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointingdevice, for example, a mouse, trackball, or trackpad by which the usercan provide input to the computer. Input can also be provided to thecomputer using a touchscreen, such as a tablet computer surface withpressure sensitivity, a multi-touch screen using capacitive or electricsensing, or another type of touchscreen. Other types of devices can beused to interact with the user. For example, feedback provided to theuser can be any form of sensory feedback. Input from the user can bereceived in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Inaddition, a computer can interact with the user by sending documents toand receiving documents from a client computing device that is used bythe user.

The term “graphical user interface,” or “GUI,” can be used in thesingular or the plural to describe one or more graphical user interfacesand each of the displays of a particular graphical user interface.Therefore, a GUI can represent any graphical user interface, includingbut not limited to, a web browser, a touch screen, or a command lineinterface (CLI) that processes information and efficiently presents theinformation results to the user. In general, a GUI can include aplurality of user interface (UI) elements, some or all associated with aweb browser, such as interactive fields, pull-down lists, and buttons.These and other UI elements can be related to or represent the functionsof the web browser.

Implementations of the subject matter described in this specificationcan be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-endcomponent, for example, as a data server, or that includes a middlewarecomponent, for example, an application server, or that includes afront-end component, for example, a client computer having a graphicaluser interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact withan implementation of the subject matter described in this specification,or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, orfront-end components. The components of the system can be interconnectedby any form or medium of wireline or wireless digital data communication(or a combination of data communication), for example, a communicationnetwork. Examples of communication networks include a local area network(LAN), a radio access network (RAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN),a wide area network (WAN), Worldwide Interoperability for MicrowaveAccess (WIMAX), a wireless local area network (WLAN) using, for example,802.11 a/b/g/n or 802.20 (or a combination of 802.11x and 802.20 orother protocols consistent with the present disclosure), all or aportion of the Internet, another communication network, or a combinationof communication networks. The communication network can communicatewith, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) packets, Frame Relay frames,Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or otherinformation between networks addresses.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what can beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features that can be specific toparticular implementations. Certain features that are described in thisspecification in the context of separate implementations can also beimplemented, in combination, in a single implementation. Conversely,various features that are described in the context of a singleimplementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations,separately, or in any sub-combination. Moreover, although previouslydescribed features can be described as acting in certain combinationsand even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimedcombination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and theclaimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or variation ofa sub-combination.

Particular implementations of the subject matter have been described.Other implementations, alterations, and permutations of the describedimplementations are within the scope of the following claims as will beapparent to those skilled in the art. While operations are depicted inthe drawings or claims in a particular order, this should not beunderstood as requiring that such operations be performed in theparticular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustratedoperations be performed (some operations can be considered optional), toachieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking orparallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallelprocessing) can be advantageous and performed as deemed appropriate.

Moreover, the separation or integration of various system modules andcomponents in the previously described implementations should not beunderstood as requiring such separation or integration in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the described programcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

Furthermore, any claimed implementation is considered to be applicableto at least a computer-implemented method; a non-transitory,computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions toperform the computer-implemented method; and a computer systemcomprising a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardwareprocessor configured to perform the computer-implemented method or theinstructions stored on the non-transitory, computer-readable medium.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a structurepositionable within a target volume, the structure including: a base;and a plurality of arms connected to the base, each arm configurablebetween a first position and a second position, wherein the each of theplurality of arms is fully collapsed in the first position and fullyexpanded in the second position; a plurality of light sources connectedto the plurality of arms and capable of emitting ultraviolet light toirradiate the target volume when the plurality of arms of the structureare positioned between the first position and the second position; amotion sensor connected to a top portion of the structure; and aplurality of supports extending from the top portion of the structureand configured to hold the motion sensor when the plurality of arms ofthe structure are transitioning between the first position and thesecond position, wherein the motion sensor is mounted upside downcapable of providing a sensing range of up to 360 degrees.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the motion sensor is configured to monitor thetarget volume.
 3. The system of claim 1, a plurality of additionalmotion sensors disposed on respective ones of the plurality of arms. 4.The system of claim 3, wherein the motion sensor and the plurality ofadditional motion sensors are configured to monitor an irregularlyshaped room.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein an additional motionsensor is disposed on each of the plurality of arms.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein each additional motion sensor is disposed on a distalend of the respective arm.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the motionsensor is mounted to the top portion of the structure via a mountingblock.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the mounting block includes aflat upper roof portion having a cutout for the motion sensor to bemounted thereon.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the motion sensor isconfigured to detect a motion within the target volume in which theplurality of light sources is located such that the plurality of lightsources can be deactivated from emitting ultraviolet light.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the motion sensor comprises a plurality ofmotion sensors, and wherein the plurality of motion sensors provide fullcoverage of the target volume in which the plurality of light sources islocated, and wherein a first subset of the plurality of motion sensorsare configured to face outward from a center column and a second subsetof the plurality of motion sensors are oriented face downwards from aupper portion of the center column.